SAL1 Greenville Drive

Eighth Inning Homer Dooms Drive, Lose to Tourists 4-2

Published on August 13, 2010 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Greenville Drive News Release


Asheville, NC - Second place has been unchartered territory for the Drive (63-53, 27-19) during the second half of the regular season. Greenville has had sole or shared possession of the Southern Division lead for every day but one.

But that changed at McCormick Field on Friday, where the Drive suffered their second straight loss to the Asheville Tourists (57-58, 28-18), 4-2, who took over as the top team.

With the score knotted at two through seven and a half innings, Asheville third baseman Nolan Arenado delivered a crushing blow. Eliezer Mesa singled to begin the frame off Armando Zerpa (1-1), but following consecutive outs it looked like the Tourists wouldn't do any damage again.

However, behind in the count 0-1, Arenado sent Zerpa's offering over the wall in leftfield. With South Atlantic League All-Star Sheng-An Kuo coming in to closeout the game, the Drive weren't able to bounce back as the right-hander retired Greenville in order to pick-up his 19th save of the season.

Behind a very strong effort from starting pitcher Pete Ruiz, the Drive led 2-1 heading into the bottom of the fourth. Both of Greenville's runs came in the top of the second as Vladimir Frias singled home Michael Almanzar, and Reymond Fuentes later scored on a wild pitch.

With two outs and a man on third in the bottom of the fourth, Ruiz struckout Angelys Nina, but a throwing error allowed him to reach base as well as let Carlos Martinez score and tie the game.

The unearned run potentially took away a victory for Ruiz, who exited the game after 5.2 innings with the score still even at two. The right-hander allowed five hits and walked one, while fanning a career-high 11 batters.

But once Asheville starter Tyler Matzek entrusted the game to his bullpen in the top of the sixth, the Drive offense sputtered. The trio of Leuris Gomez, Paul Bargas (5-4), and Kuo not only held Greenville scoreless over the final four innings, but did not surrender a hit while issuing just two base on balls.

The Drive will look to rebound on Saturday and move back into a share of first place. Right-hander Ryan Pressly (4-6, 3.91 ERA) will head to the mound in search of a win for Greenville, while Asheville counters with left-hander Wes Musick (6-6, 4.05 ERA).

The Drive return home to Fluor Field on Saturday, August 21st for an eight-game homestand, beginning with cross-state rival, and New York Yankees affiliate, the Charleston RiverDogs. For more information regarding single-game tickets, group outings, or luxury accommodations, call (864) 240-4500 or visit www.GreenvilleDrive.com.

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South Atlantic League Stories from August 13, 2010


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